Palestinian President to push for vote on war crimes report

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday he is pushing for a vote on a United Nation’s report that accuses both Israel and Hamas of war crimes during the Gaza war, reversing a decision that has left him at the lowest point of his presidency.

Also on Sunday, Washington’s special Middle-East envoy wrapped up his latest round of shuttle diplomacy in the region, again having failed to persuade Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks.

Mr. Abbas’ renewed push for a vote on the war crimes report in the U.N. Human Rights Council reverses his decision earlier this month to delay voting for six months. Palestinian officials withdrew their support under what Palestinian and U.S. officials said was heavy U.S. pressure.

This decision sparked sharp criticism across Palestinian society, with Mr. Abbas and his aides scrambling to repair the damage.

“I have instructed our Ambassador in Geneva to contact the groups to have an exceptional session of the council, and to move in this direction until in the end, having those who committed the worst, ugliest crimes against our people punished,” Mr. Abbas said.

It remained unclear on Sunday if renewed Palestinian support would bring about a vote.